Hagio-mimesis The imitation of the saints

Or the same, i. e. which you your selves (speaking to the same individuals) have given, that ye grow not remiss and negligent ⟨p. 3⟩in your love and zeal; for then if you that have been formerly diligent and active, shall cool, and grow negligent, not only your former diligence will be a testimony against you; but the abatement and decay of your love and zeal, may expose you to the sin and danger of Apostasy.

Or the same, i. e. which you your selves (speaking to the same individuals) have given, that ye grow not remiss and negligent ⟨p. 3⟩in your love and zeal; for then if you that have been formerly diligent and active, shall cool, and grow negligent, not only your former diligence will be a testimony against you; but the abatement and decay of your love and zeal, may expose you to the sin and danger of Apostacy.

Now both these he doth, by propounding the Pattern of the Saints and Worthies of God, to their pious Consideration and Imitation. Some of whom were yet alive, whom he proposeth as Presidents to the rest among them: Yea, he proposeth themselves to themselves; their former zeal, to prevent their future luke-warmness.

Others here commended, were such of the Primitive Heroes, who had long before, finished their course and obtained the Crown:^* As Abraham, mentioned in the verses following my Text; and others, of those famous Lights of the World, implied in the word them (in the Text) Them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. These also the Apostle doth commend as standing exemplars for the believing Hebrews, and (in them) for all other Christians, professing the Name and faith of Jesus Christ, to follow.